Dark Hearts

by P. L. Midnight

  Sebastian continued projecting his thoughts, “We’re all undoubtedly besotted with her, but I agree it’s not just her body we want. It appears to me that we all want to possess and protect her forever. When each of us looks at her it feels like she’s the eternal mate that was created just for us.”

  “I agree. That “she’s mine” thought flashes through my head and goes straight to my dick every time I look at her. My brother is so fucking jealous, and as I talk to the other guys, I understand why. All six of us want her. Hell, we all need her. I wonder why he was dumb enough to shoot off his mouth about how amazing she was to everyone. Hell, half of the younger males in the Order are already curious about her. When it comes to Emma, my brother can’t seem to shut his mouth, but I’m not sure it would have mattered what he said. It seems that the longer we’re around her, the more we are all drawn to her. She’d been a cute child, but now I’m dedicated to having her. It’s all I think of anymore.”

  “I admit she’d make a nice addition to my bed and my coven, but I still don’t understand the hold she has on all of us. I’ve never thought of a female patient like I do her. It is just taboo, but I want to run my hands down her body and caress her until she opens like a flower for me.”

  “It’s going to be difficult since there are six of us and only one of her. Raven has dropped the off-limits on touching her, but I’m not sure how she’ll handle all of us pursuing her. I don’t know how we’re supposed to protect her either, when all we can think about is touching her and more.” I could almost feel the heat in the room from the thoughts Julian was projecting.

  “I know each of us would give their life willingly for her, but I just don’t know how it’s going to work out with her. I know most of us are willing to share her. It just feels like we are a family of seven now and she’s our leading light.”

  “Yeah, it’s pretty much a consensus that we must have her. Therefore, we’re all willing to share her. Vince may have agreed with us, but I’m not sure how he’ll handle it when the intimacy begins. As you know, the plan is that we’ll each have one day per week with her. The seventh day will be a family day with all of us interacting together. Can you see Vince when Alex kisses her or touches her on family day in front of him?” Julian’s thoughts painted a picture that showed how ugly things could get between the guys.

  “That could get ugly. He’s pretty strong, but then so is Alex.”

  “I’m sure Raven will put a stop to anything before a fight breaks out. I’m still worried how Emma will handle all this. While none of us would disrespect her, it’s going to be overwhelming to her.”

  “Yeah, I don’t want to lose her before I’ve ever kissed those sweet lips of hers. You know that she has no idea what any of us are, but that’s not what I’m talking about. She’s inexperienced.” How the hell does Sebastian know that, I wondered? If this weren’t such an important conversation concerning me, I’d have put my walls up immediately upon hearing that last comment.

  “I know she’s not slept around. She’s not that kind of young woman. Anyway, we’re all willing to go slow with her. I’m hoping that she’ll enjoy all the attention, but we don’t want to scare her. That’s why she changed her looks this year, to be noticed. She should be happy. She’s been noticed by six good looking guys who want to love and protect her forever. I’m not just talking about loving her luscious body either. I know we all want Emma in our lives on a permanent basis and are willing to sacrifice a normal relationship just to keep her with us all.”

  “Yes, I understand that, too.”

  “Miles did mention that they allow multiple partner marriages on Pluto. I guess he’s hoping that someday we’ll be happy enough together that she’ll want to make it permanent with all of us. I understand that’s Raven’s ultimate goal, too. Alex has mentioned that’s his desire also. Since we all have fallen for the strange little earthling, we either share her or fight. Fighting amongst ourselves over her is not an option according to Raven, and I agree.”

  “Julian, that isn’t what I’m talking about. Emma is a virgin.” I didn’t even want to know how Sebastian knew that. I was mortified they were discussing my virginity as if it was public knowledge.

  “Oh, hell, but that’s wonderful.”

  “Really, do you think so? I’m pretty sure we’re all going to want to be her first.”

  “Shit, I hadn’t thought of that. Maybe we could draw straws or something.”

  “That’s pretty fucking cold, Julian. I don’t think it’s going to work like that. Maybe when she’s ready, we could do like blindfolds and earplugs so we’d never know who she chooses first on our group mating night.”

  Oh, hell no, I thought. I had to act as if I was waking up and quick. I couldn’t take any more of this mind-to-mind conversation. When Sebastian told Julian I was a virgin, my face had lit up like a Christmas tree. I didn’t want to talk to either of them right now. Maybe I could act as if I was waking up and they’d just stop thinking. I wouldn’t be able to hide my embarrassment if I didn’t erect my walls quickly, blocking out their thoughts.

  My thoughts were racing everywhere as I remembered their shared thoughts. I was warm all over, scared, embarrassed and knew I had to get the hell out of this house and soon. I already cared more for the guys than I cared to admit. I didn’t even know Miles, Julian, and Alex that well. Nevertheless, it felt strangely right to be with all of them. It was moving too fast even though I, too, felt the bond with them already.

  I started moving around in the bed to alert them that I was waking up, hoping their thoughts would change directions.

  “It looks like she’s waking up.”

  “I’ve got to go, anyway. It was nice talking to you, Sebastian. Raven wanted to talk to me tonight about something. I’ll see you later.”

  “See you later, Julian. Don’t worry, we’ll come up with something. It’s worth the effort. She’s everything we’ve all been looking for in a mate.”

  “That’s so true. I never thought I’d meet anyone like her, especially a human. If in fact, she is human. Her blood is calling to all of us stronger every day. I’ll talk to you later,” he whispered as he left.

  I heard the door shut behind Julian. I heard Sebastian walk closer to the bed and decided to act as if I was still sleeping.

  It worked.

  Thinking I was dreaming, due to my movements earlier, Sebastian spoke as if to reassure me that everything was okay. “It’s alright, Emma. I’m here and you’re safe now.” I felt his hand gently stroking my arm. It still felt wonderful to be touched by him.

  I was safe, I thought, as he walked back across the room. All six of them wanted me as a wife, mate, or whatever the hell they'd called it in their mind link. It wasn’t right, but what was worse was that I wanted them too. I was beginning to crave touches by any one of them that came into the room.

  Were any of them even human? Raven was a gargoyle, Alex a sun seraph, Sebastian was a warlock, and Julian was a wendigo, which made Vince more than likely one, since they were brothers. I wondered what Miles was and really wasn’t sure I wanted to know. I was thankful my sight was showing signs of improvement. The sooner I got away from here the better off I’d be before I couldn’t even leave them. They were right, the bond was getting stronger every day I was near them.

  Thankfully, I hadn’t told Sebastian about the light that I’d seen earlier. I hadn’t said anything about it to Julian either, because at that time I wasn’t sure whether it was my imagination or not. I didn’t want to get their hopes up for nothing.

  A blurry image or two appeared as I peeked at Sebastian through my semi-closed lids. I was certain that my vision was finally returning. After I heard their silent telepathic conversation, I was glad I hadn’t mentioned it. I’d keep it my secret for the time being until I decided what I was going to do. I knew I had to leave. I had to find Mom since they’d had no luck in doing so. I also knew I had to leave before they got into a fight over me. I knew Vince would never be able to
share me with the others.

  I hated to think of leaving them, especially Alex. He’d saved my life. Sebastian had nursed me back to health. Vince had been my longtime friend and confidant for many years. What could I say about Raven? I’d been convinced that I was in love with him and he’d given up his bed for me. However, I just found out that the amazing guy I’d crushed on for so long wasn’t even a human being. Julian had been my friend, too, when we were children before he’d left home. He’d been friendly, and now that he was back, he was becoming a good friend again. Miles, too, had been nothing but nice to me.

  What the hell was I going to do? I had to pretend to go along with whatever they asked of me until my sight and strength returned. Then I was getting the hell out of here and finding my mother. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to find her, but it’s better than just lying around doing nothing. Dark Hearts be damned.

  I had money in my savings account and a credit card Mom had given me for emergencies. I’d get to the bank somehow and draw out enough for some kind of car. I’d dye my hair and get the hell out of this town.

  I’d changed my looks once, I could do it again. I’d work out and get my strength back. I had plenty of time to work on a plan for my escape. I knew I had to go for many reasons, but especially because I was more than a little alarmed about my strong feelings for six different guys who weren’t even human. What was even more terrifying was that the feeling was definitely reciprocated. I knew if we did anything besides hugging and an occasional kiss, I’d never be able to leave them.

  Chapter Nineteen

  It had been over two weeks since I’d heard that telepathic conversation. I’d heard snippets of others, too, as my telepathic powers seemed to strengthen as my eighteenth birthday neared. My vision had fully returned, too. However, I still hadn’t told the guys. I did wonder why Sebastian hadn’t discovered my secret yet. I was most certain that I’d made some mistakes, especially during my visit with Tori. I remember that day as if it were yesterday.

  It was the day that my vision completely returned and surprised me. One minute there was mostly darkness and then I could suddenly see clearly. Fortunately, Sebastian wasn’t in the room, because I know I acted strangely at first. I could hardly contain my excitement.

  I was also more than a little intimidated as the guys filtered into the room during Tori’s visit and I saw them for the first time all together. They were all so powerful looking and amazingly handsome, except Miles. That guy was almost scary, he looked so fierce even with his magnificent good looks. I don’t know how Tori had been able to look at him and not flinch.

  Sebastian had carried me down to what appeared to be the living room of sorts filled with antique furniture. The room was filled with not just any antique furniture, but pieces that seemed like they belonged in a museum. The way some of the specimens looked, they must have once belonged to royalty and cost a fortune. Tori sat on the couch as we entered. Sebastian sat me on a chair near her so we could visit. I could only vaguely see her facial expression at first as my eyes were still adjusting to the bright light in the room. Her voice had that flirtatious tone that she got when a handsome guy was around. I could tell that she was impressed with my doctor.

  I hadn’t had a clear look at three of them yet, but I already knew they were also extremely handsome. It appeared that I was surrounded by a gorgeous selection of male flesh. It was too bad that none of them were human. Although, I’m not sure it mattered at that point, I was so besotted and drawn to them as if they were truly my betrothed.

  The mind-to-mind conversation I’d eavesdropped on was never far from my thoughts. Part of me wondered what it would be like to belong to all six of these gorgeous creatures. I knew they’d be attentive, caring lovers, such as women only dream about. However, I still had to leave. I’d brought them nothing but trouble.

  I wondered if Sebastian was as impressed with Tori as he claimed to be with me. I guessed not as he spoke to her briefly. His eyes seldom left me before he immediately departed the room to give us some privacy.

  “If you need anything, Emma, just press the button on the remote I gave you. It rings directly to my phone. Tori, it was nice meeting you.” Sebastian left the room and I was alone with Tori, or so it appeared.

  Before I had a chance to move, Tori was giving me her version of a sit-down hug. “Hell, I’ve missed you, Emma. I was so scared. I thought you were dead until Vince told me what happened. He said bad people were chasing you and no one could know you were alive. He swore me to secrecy, so I only told the others in our group the truth.” I gave her a look before we continued. She never could keep a secret. “Don’t give me that look. We were all so worried about you. I had to tell them. They won’t say anything to anyone. They care about you and would never do anything to hurt you. You should know that by now.”

  She continued in that rushed voice of hers before I could get a word in edgewise, “I’m so sorry for the way I was acting before your accident. I was a real bitch. You’re my best friend in the world. I wanted you to get a real boyfriend. I really did. I was just jealous because you were getting all the attention. I wasn’t used to getting much attention, but when Alex ignored me for you, I got envious and mean. It’s no big deal though. I’m dating a couple of the guys on the football team now. Are we okay? I really was concerned about you, Emma. Now that I see your doctor, I know you'll be fine. He’s hotter than hell and maybe even more handsome than Alex, girl.”

  “We’re good. Don’t worry about it. It really doesn’t matter anymore. I’m sorry I worried you. But please don’t start, Tori. I know Sebastian is hot. All of them are magnificent guys. They’ve all taken good care of me, too, but you have no idea what’s going on here,” I whispered as she plopped back down on the couch, moving as close to me as possible.

  “Why are you whispering? There’s no one here besides me. You do look amazing, Emma, even without your makeup. I can tell you’ve been taken good care of, so what’s going on with you? Who’s chasing you and why?”

  “I’ll answer your questions later. Please don’t say anything, but I think my sight is finally starting to return,” I whispered.

  “I see, smart girl, I’d milk it for a while, too. I’ve seen your doctor. I got hot just looking at him.”

  “You don’t understand. I’m getting out of here as soon as I can.”

  “Have you even seen all of your guys? There were a couple of them out front. I think one of them was Miles and Vince’s brother, Julian. Of course, I’m partial to Sebastian, his eyes are absolutely damned amazing. You’re crazy to leave these guys. You’ve always crushed on Raven and now you’re sleeping in his room. Hell, girl, sleeping in his bed is way hot. Don’t look so shocked, Vince told me. Speaking of Vince, he’s looking pretty damn fine, too. Of course, Alex is here, too, isn’t he? I don’t know how you could even think about leaving with all the testosterone in here. I wouldn’t kick any of them out of my bed.”

  “I’m serious, Tori, you wouldn’t want any of them. They believe they aren’t even human.” I didn’t want to tell her I believed they weren’t human either. I also didn’t mention their plans to share me, because while I wasn’t exactly opposed to it, it would never work. She’d have liked that shit anyway.

  I lowered my voice as I continued, “Listen, I have to speak softly because I don’t want them to know I overheard a couple of their conversations.” No, I wasn’t telling her that they were telepathic conversations that I heard. It’s too weird. “The room could be bugged by the people they work for, so watch what you say.”

  “Are you sure you didn’t misunderstand what they were saying? You’ve been on a lot of medicine and been through a lot of trauma with the death of your mother and everything.”

  “What do you mean with the death of my mother? She wasn’t in the house. They told me she escaped, Tori.” I said trying to keep my voice steady and soft.

  “I’m sorry Emma, but the news reported that her remains were found in the debris of the ho
use.”

  “Oh, that’s not true. Those remains were planted there so that certain bad people would think she was dead. The guys told me that they’d checked for any sign of mother’s remains and there were none.”

  “Well, I’m one of the certain people that believe she’s dead. Emma, I’m sorry, honey, but you have to face reality. Hell, they interviewed the Chief of Police who said that the remains had been found. I’m sorry if I upset you, but I believe him. He knows his stuff, Em. Maybe the guys didn’t want you to know. Perhaps they wanted to spare you because you’ve been through so much.”

  She continued before I could say anything, “I’m sorry, but I believe they made up that story about planting remains. I don’t understand how they could’ve gotten that close to your house anyway. The whole street was barricaded and guarded. No one was allowed behind the yellow caution tape. There were cops and firemen all over the place. You know that is standard practice at the scene of any fire, especially a suspicious one. They don’t want people getting hurt or messing up any evidence, so no one gets near anything.”

  “Look, Tori I have to talk quickly before any of them come in.” I gave her the condensed version of what I’d heard. I hadn’t shared the part about all of them wanting me. I just couldn’t deal with that discussion right then. Over the last couple of weeks, I’d heard more about the sharing thing, too, but I knew for certain that they weren’t human by the way they silently communicated, and a few other things that had become known after I could see. I’d seen several of them doing things that were impossible for a human being. I’d even caught Miles changing back into his human form from a large black panther. I guess he’s what you call a shapeshifter, which is just very creepy.